Press Release

Spotlight is on special session of Legislature looking at infrastructure funding

Oakland, CA - August 19, 2015: Sacramento came to the Port of Oakland today seeking support to fix ailing transportation infrastructure. Without road and other transport improvements, Gov. Jerry Brown and Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins warned, California's economy is at risk.

"It's fundamental that California be able to move goods and people in a modern, efficient way," the governor told an audience of 70 during a morning press conference at the Port of Oakland headquarters. "This is critical to California prosperity."

The comments coincide with a special session of the state Legislature currently looking at how to fund transportation improvements. The fixes would target roads, highways and transport infrastructure. "We can't have a thriving economy if we can't keep people and goods moving," Speaker Atkins said.

Funding for everything from congestion relief to pothole repair is under discussion in Sacramento, the governor said. The outcome will be particularly important for the Port of Oakland. The Port handles 99 percent of the containerized goods moving through Northern California. Much of that trade is carried by trucks on roads leading in and out of the Port.

"Our infrastructure is aging and in need of public and private investment to help ports and other parts of the supply chain remain competitive," Board of Port Commissioners Vice President Michael Colbruno told the audience. "We're hopeful that the Legislature is on a path that again prioritizes freight and transportation solutions in its special session."

About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.